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Make Breakfast for Dinner for the family. Other than cereal, anything goes. We vote for eggs scrambled with diced tomatoes and shredded Jack cheese, sausage links and biscuits. Make Mom's recipe or rely on Pillsbury (we like the frozen variety). A bowl of strawberries and blueberries brightens it all up.

Tues| Show off mad skills

Before you head off to school this morning, start the beef marinating for Beef Teriyaki Stir-Fry (recipe below). You'll earn big brownie points for this dinner.

Wed | Rotisserie chicken

Make Mile-High Chicken Tostadas starting with the chicken from two rotisserie birds. Shred the chicken and toss the skin and bones. Lightly brush tortillas with olive oil and bake in a 350-degree oven until crisp, about 5 minutes. While tortillas are baking, heat chicken in a skillet with a packet of taco seasoning. Pile chicken on tortillas with garnishes of your choice including shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, scallions and olives. Serve with fresh fruit salad.

Thurs | Burger bar

If you're not proficient on the barbecue, get some help from your family's resident griller to make Super-Topped Grilled Burgers. First form the patties gently; don't overwork or the meat will be tough. Serve on toasted buns with interesting toppings such as roasted red peppers and goat cheese, blue cheese crumbles and red onion, bacon and cheddar, or onions sauteed with a bit of balsamic vinegar. Serve with green salad and baked potato wedges. (Look for frozen for easy's sake.)

Fri | Tapas tonight

Small plates of savory bits — called tapas — are all the rage these days. Though the origin is Spanish, you can add more global tastes. For your family Tapas Party, put out small bowls of cured chorizo sausage or salami and hard cheese such as manchego. Add to the mix grilled shrimp, olives (black and green), roasted red peppers, lightly cooked asparagus spears, cubes of baked potato flavored with paprika, hummus with pita triangles and spicy almonds. This is a great spread if people need to eat quickly to head out for Friday night fun.

In a large bowl, whisk together broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, vinegar and garlic. Add meat and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours and up to 8.

In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of oil. When oil is hot, remove meat from marinade with a slotted spoon and add to the pan. Reserve marinade. Stir-fry meat until browned on the outside and slightly pink on the inside, 3 to 4 minutes. Add more oil if needed. Add reserved marinade to the wok and stir-fry until sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve over rice, topped with scallions.

Serves 4.

Source: The Big Book of Easy Suppers by Maryana Vollstedt (Chronicle Books, 2005)